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crypto license in st kitts and nevis

St Kitts & Nevis – Virtual Asset Act (FSRC)

Crypto License in St Kitts and Nevis (VASP License) – 2026 Guide

St. Kitts and Nevis has become a niche hub for entrepreneurs seeking an offshore crypto company with a regulated virtual asset (VASP) license. Under the St. Kitts and Nevis Virtual Asset Act, 2020 and the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), crypto exchanges, brokers, custody providers and other virtual asset businesses can operate from a tax-efficient jurisdiction while remaining aligned with international AML standards

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St. Kitts & Nevis Crypto License: Virtual Asset Act & FSRC Overview

St. Kitts and Nevis regulates digital asset activity under the St. Kitts and Nevis Virtual Asset Act, 2020, as amended, which sets out the rules for registering and supervising virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Any business that exchanges, transfers, safekeeps or provides financial services related to virtual assets “in or from” St. Kitts and Nevis must register with the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) as a virtual asset business.


This means that when you incorporate an offshore crypto company in St. Kitts and Nevis, you must consider both the IBC/company layer and the virtual asset licensing layer. Consultrio helps you align your structure, activities and documentation with the Virtual Asset Act, so your crypto license application is regulator-ready.

Why St Kitts and Nevis for a Crypto License?

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One clear legal framework for registering and operating virtual asset services under the St. Kitts and Nevis Virtual Asset Act, 2020

Regulated VASP framework (Virtual Asset Act)

Efficient offshore structuring options for international-facing crypto businesses and group setups.

Offshore company flexibility for global operations

A compliance-driven approach aligned with international AML expectations, suitable for serious operators.

Practical compliance design (AML/CFT focus)

Works well for multiple virtual asset business models when scoped and documented correctly.

Strong fit for exchanges, OTC, custody & Web3 models

What “Crypto License” Means Under the St Kitts & Nevis Virtual Asset Act

In St Kitts and Nevis, a “crypto license” generally refers to registration/authorisation to operate a virtual asset business under the Virtual Asset Act. The law is designed to regulate virtual asset activity carried on in or from the jurisdiction and sets requirements around registration, compliance, and ongoing obligations.

Requirements

Requirements for Obtaining a Crypto License in St Kitts and Nevis

Corporate Requirements

  • St Kitts & Nevis entity incorporated with registered office and service provider. (provided by Consultrio)

  • Board/management structure with defined roles and accountability.

  • Organisational chart + group structure (who does what, where).

  • Contracts covering outsourcing (tech, compliance, support).

Compliance Requirements

  • AML/CFT Manual + Risk Assessment aligned as per the requirements in St. Kitts and Nevis Virtual Asset Act, 2020

  • KYC/EDD procedures (retail/corporate/high-risk jurisdictions).

  • Transaction monitoring approach (rules, alerts, escalation).

  • Sanctions/PEP screening controls and suspicious activity escalation.

Capital & Operational Requirements

  • Evidence of sufficient operating capital for compliance, staffing and technology.

  • Financial projections and sustainability narrative (how you fund operations).

  • Policies for safeguarding client assets (where custody applies).

  • Clear segregation of duties and internal controls.

IT & Cybersecurity Requirements

  • Wallet governance (key management policy, access controls, approvals).

  • Logging/audit trails for admin actions and transaction events.

  • Incident response plan (breach, fraud, system outage) + reporting process.

  • Business continuity & disaster recovery plan proportionate to your services.

Process

Our Process for St Kitts & Nevis Crypto Licensing

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Step 1 – Business Model & License Mapping

  • Map your activities to in-scope virtual asset business definitions.

  • Identify risk profile (retail vs institutional, custody vs non-custody).

  • Create licensing roadmap + compliance footprint.

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Step 2 –  St Kitts Entity & Group Structuring

  • Incorporate the St Kitts & Nevis operating entity.

  • Define group roles (operator vs tech vs treasury).

  • Draft outsourcing and governance framework.

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Step 3 – Licensing Pack Preparation (FSRC-ready)

  • AML/CFT manuals, risk assessment, KYC/EDD, monitoring policies.

  • IT/security policies, wallet governance, incident response.

  • Business plan + operational procedures + declarations.

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Step 4 – Banking, EMIs & Operational Setup

  • Banking/EMI strategy for fiat flows (where applicable).

  • Payment rails planning + transaction monitoring calibration.

  • Go-live readiness checklist and ongoing compliance calendar.

Costs of Obtaining a Crypto (VASP) License in St Kitts and Nevis

Costs depend on your model (exchange vs OTC vs custody), compliance complexity and operational readiness.

One-Time Setup Costs

  • VASP application fee (FSRC / Schedule): EC$54,000

  • Company incorporation + registered office/agent (Year 1): $2,500

  • Legal structuring & application project management: US$7,500–$20,000 (range depends on complexity)

  • Compliance documentation pack (AML/CFT, risk, policies): US$8,000–$18,000

  • Technology / security readiness work: US$2,500–$15,000 (varies by platform maturity)

Annual Recurring Costs

  • VASP registration fee (annual, per Schedule): EC$135,000 / year

  • Registered agent & office renewal: US$1,200 / year

  • AML/CFT compliance maintenance (program upkeep): US$2,500–$8,000 / year

  • Ongoing security (monitoring / pen test / incident drills): US$2,000–$10,000 / year (optional but recommended)

Summary

  • Total setup cost: US$25,000–$70,000

  • Annual operating cost: USD 15,000–35,000+

Why Work With Consultrio on Your St. Kitts & Nevis Crypto License?

End-to-end support

  • Extensive experience with crypto exchanges, brokerages, OTC desks, and custody providers operating under emerging VASP regimes.

  • Proven delivery of crypto licensing projects in St. Kitts & Nevis, SVG, Seychelles, Mauritius, Cayman Islands, and UAE.

  • Precise mapping of your activities to the St. Kitts & Nevis Virtual Asset Act to ensure the correct licensing scope and regulator alignment.

Specialised in VASP Licensing

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  • Preparation of AML/CFT policies, enterprise risk assessments, KYC/EDD procedures, and transaction monitoring frameworks aligned with FSRC expectations.

  • Support with MLRO and Compliance Officer appointment, including role definitions and reporting lines.

  • Documentation structured to satisfy both regulatory review and banking/EMI due diligence.

Compliance-First Approach

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  • Guidance on IBC incorporation, governance, and operational substance under St. Kitts & Nevis law.

  • Strategic support for banking, EMI onboarding, and fiat–crypto payment flows.

  • Operational readiness covering wallet custody models, exchange engines, internal controls, and client asset segregation.

Structuring, Banking & Operational Setup

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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Other Crypto Friendly Jurisdictions

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